“Remove my name and picture immediately” — Actor Emeka Ike calls out Jaruma over video involving his son Veteran Nollywood actor Emeka Ike has publicly distanced himself from a viral video involving his son and popular sex therapist Jaruma. In a lengthy Instagram post, the actor expressed anger over his name and photo being linked to what he described as “disgusting” and indecent content, insisting he has nothing to do with Jaruma or her products. Emeka Ike also addressed his son directly, recounting how he once supported his education, planned a future abroad for him, and insisted he finish school before pursuing fame. He lamented that those plans were abandoned, saying he no longer recognises the person his son has become…..

Pregnant Women Deliver With Lanterns as Ebonyi Community’s Only Health Centre Rotts Away – Report More than 3,000 residents of Akpaka community in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State face grave health risks as their only Primary Health Care centre lies abandoned and in ruins. A report by MonITNG describes the facility as a failure of governance, with broken roofs, damaged beds, no equipment, no electricity and no qualified health workers. Pregnant women reportedly give birth under lantern light using unsterilised tools, while other patients travel long distances or rely on costly private clinics. The group has urged Governor Francis Nwifuru and federal authorities to urgently rehabilitate, equip and staff the centre.

Broken Promise? Why Has Tinubu’s Government Failed to Give Ex-Corps Members the Jobs It Promised Since July? | Fintter Was the promise of “automatic employment” for ex-corps members a genuine commitment—or just another political announcement that has quietly faded away? Five months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration publicly announced automatic employment, scholarships, and financial rewards for 210 honoured ex-corps members, the promised jobs are yet to materialise. What was once celebrated as a bold gesture of appreciation for young Nigerians who “went beyond the call of duty” has now become a painful reminder of unfulfilled government pledges. In a statement released by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) on July 29, the Tinubu government announced that 210 ex-corps members from the 2020–2023 service years would receive automatic employment in the Federal Civil Service, scholarships up to doctoral level within Nigeria, and cash awards of ₦250,000 each. Among them were individuals who had demonstrated exceptional service—and others who had suffered life-changing injuries while serving the nation. For many of the beneficiaries, the announcement was more than symbolic recognition. It represented hope, stability, and a long-awaited breakthrough after years of struggle, unemployment, and sacrifice. But today, that hope has turned into frustration, exhaustion, and a deep sense of betrayal. According to affected ex-corps members who spoke anonymously for fear of victimisation, no job placements have been made, no official communication has followed, and no clear explanation has been given by either the government or the NYSC. Although the promised cash award was reportedly paid, the most critical aspect of the pledge—automatic employment—remains unfulfilled. In October 2025, after public pressure intensified following investigative reports, the ex-corps members were invited to Abuja and instructed to submit documents for “urgent processing.” Many travelled long distances, spending scarce resources they could barely afford. Some arrived without accommodation or support, driven only by the hope that the long-promised jobs were finally becoming a reality. Yet, weeks turned into months—and no one contacted them again. One affected ex-corps member described borrowing money to make the trip, only to return home with nothing. Another said he slept in a religious centre, enduring discomfort and mosquito-infested nights, believing the government was finally about to fulfil its word. Instead, they were met with silence. Even more troubling are the stories of ex-corps members who sustained permanent injuries during national service. For them, the promise of government employment was not merely an opportunity—it was a lifeline. Many say private employers now reject them because of their disabilities. The government’s pledge had restored their sense of dignity and belonging, if only briefly. One injured ex-corps member said: “When they promised automatic employment, I believed there was still a place for me in this country despite my condition. Today, nobody has even called or sent an email.” The emotional toll has been devastating. Beneficiaries say the process left them financially drained, psychologically exhausted, and feeling used for public relations. What was once a moment of national praise has become a story of disappointment, neglect, and broken trust. The situation raises serious questions about government accountability, youth unemployment, and the credibility of public promises. If young Nigerians who risked their lives in service of the nation can be publicly honoured—and then quietly ignored—what message does that send to millions of other youths struggling for opportunity? Now, the affected ex-corps members are appealing directly to the federal government to redeem its word. They insist they do not want sympathy or publicity—they want action. As one of them put it: “We don’t want to be used as tools for government promotion. We only ask that the promises made to us be fulfilled.” --- 💬 Conversation Starters for Fintter Readers Should government promises come with legal consequences when they are not fulfilled? Is this another example of young Nigerians being used for political image-building? Why has there been no official explanation from the Presidency or the NYSC? What does this mean for trust in future government youth empowerment programmes? 👉 Join the discussion on Fintter: Do you believe the Tinubu administration will still honour this promise—or has it already been abandoned?

Ambrose Alli University Students Protest Rising Kidnappings in Ekpoma, Demand Urgent Action on Insecurity in Edo State Students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU), Ekpoma, on Monday staged a peaceful protest over the increasing cases of kidnapping and insecurity in the university town, located in Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State. The demonstrators said their action was prompted by growing fear within the AAU community, which they claim has witnessed repeated abductions in recent weeks. According to the protesters, the decision to take to the streets followed the recent abduction of a student identified as Akhabhe Favour, as well as the kidnapping of an unnamed former students’ union leader. Speaking during the protest, Andrew Oziegbe, who led the demonstration, said the aim was to compel security agencies and government authorities to take decisive action to address the worsening security situation. Oziegbe described the response of relevant authorities as inadequate, warning that continued inaction could further endanger students and residents of Ekpoma. He stressed that students were living in fear and could no longer remain silent in the face of persistent insecurity. However, the management of Ambrose Alli University distanced itself from the protest. In a statement issued by the institution’s Principal Assistant Registrar and Head of Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Otunba Mike Ade Aladenika, the university said it neither authorised nor endorsed the demonstration. The school claimed that those involved were not registered students, members of the Students’ Union Government, or affiliated with the university in any capacity. The university further warned that any unauthorised actions carried out in its name would attract appropriate measures, adding that it would take steps to protect its interests and maintain order. The protest highlights growing concerns over security in Ekpoma and renewed calls for urgent intervention by security agencies and government authorities to curb kidnappings in the area.

From Church To Cell: Delta Police Accused Of Random Crossover Night Arrests, Assault And ₦200,000 Extortion Of Worshippers In Asaba Worshippers arrested during crossover night celebrations in Asaba, Delta State, have accused the Delta State Police Command of carrying out random arrests, physical assault and extorting between ₦150,000 and ₦200,000 before granting bail. The arrests reportedly occurred on New Year’s Eve at multiple locations, including Inter-Bau Roundabout and Direct Labour Agency (DLA) Road, and affected over 40 people, many of whom were attending or returning from church services. Although the police described the arrested individuals as “hoodlums” involved in violent conduct, several victims told SaharaReporters that they were innocent worshippers who were rounded up without cause, detained at the state police headquarters and allegedly framed. Some suspects said they were only released after paying large sums of money for bail, which is legally free. Victims and witnesses accused officers under the leadership of the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Adejobi Olumuyiwa, of abusing power and violating human rights. A Federal Road Safety Corps officer and a lawyer both confirmed incidents of extortion, while another victim narrated how police allegedly assaulted her and broke her tooth during the arrest of her brother. Police insiders also criticised the DCP’s operational style, alleging repeated mass arrests and disregard for due process. Efforts to get official responses were unsuccessful, as the outgoing and incoming commissioners of police distanced themselves from the incident, while the police spokesperson said the matter involved his superiors. The allegations have renewed public outrage over police brutality, extortion and abuse of authority in Nigeria.

Akwa Ibom Residents Raise Alarm Over Abandoned Mathew Udo Ekpo Memorial Health Centre, Call It Public Hazard Residents of Etim Ekpo LGA in Akwa Ibom State have condemned the dilapidated state of the Mathew Udo Ekpo Memorial Health Centre, describing it as a public hazard rather than a functioning hospital. The civic tech platform MonITNG highlighted that the centre, the only public healthcare facility for thousands in the area, suffers from a leaking and partially collapsed roof, broken windows, cracked walls, no electricity, and unsafe wards. Patients, including pregnant women, sick children, and the elderly, are forced to travel long distances for care, often at great cost and risk. MonITNG emphasized that this neglect reflects systemic failures across the state’s healthcare sector, noting that billions of naira allocated annually have not translated into functional Primary Health Centres (PHCs). The platform called on both the Akwa Ibom State Government and the Federal Ministry of Health to take immediate, tangible action to safeguard citizens’ access to basic healthcare.

BREAKING: Kwara Public School Teachers Protest Salary Disparity, Accuse Government and NUT of Excluding Them From 30% Peculiar Allowance Amid Growing Economic Hardship Public school teachers in Kwara State on Friday staged a protest over their exclusion from the recently approved 30% peculiar salary allowance granted to other categories of state workers. The protesting teachers accused the Kwara State Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) of neglect, betrayal and failure to protect their welfare amid rising economic hardship. During the protest, teachers carried placards lamenting poor pay, widening salary disparities and worsening living conditions, with some stating they were “surviving on loans” to meet basic needs. The protesters demanded the immediate implementation of the 30% peculiar allowance for teachers, arguing that their exclusion leaves them earning less than other civil servants in the state. The teachers also targeted the NUT leadership, accusing it of complacency and inaction. Some protesters noted that the 27% Teachers’ Specific Allowance being referenced by authorities was not new and had been implemented in other states since 2018, while other state workers had already begun receiving the 30% allowance in December 2025. Meanwhile, the NUT Kwara State leadership distanced itself from the protest, insisting it neither authorised nor endorsed the action. In a statement, the union warned that anyone protesting in the name of teachers did so at their own risk, while also praising the state government for approving teacher-related allowances. The development highlights growing tension between teachers, their union and the state government over pay equity and economic survival.

Face Your Problems, I Have No Business In It’, Wike Replies Gov Mohammed Wike distanced himself from the prosecution of some of Governor Mohammed’s cabinet members by the EFCC, insisting that law enforcement actions should not be politicised. The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has responded to an allegation by the Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, that he is behind a plot to ruin his name.

Anthony Joshua’s Fatal Road Accident Highlights Nigeria’s Failing Road Safety and Emergency Systems, Sowore Calls for Urgent Reforms Former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore criticized Nigeria’s failing road safety and emergency response systems following the accident involving Nigerian-British boxer Anthony Joshua, which claimed the lives of his associates. Sowore emphasized that the victims’ deaths should not be overshadowed by Joshua’s celebrity, calling fatal road accidents a “daily, naked reality” in Nigeria due to systemic neglect. He highlighted inadequacies in emergency response, including the lack of ambulances, stretchers, and first aid, urging the government to prioritize human life. Sowore also urged Joshua to distance himself from corrupt political figures and offered condolences to the bereaved families.

Catholic Priest Shot by Unknown Gunmen in Imo State on Christmas Day, Survives Attack A Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Raymond Njoku, serving at St. Kevin’s Parish in Ogbaku, Mbaitoli LGA, Imo State, was shot by unknown assailants on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025. The attack occurred around 8:00 a.m. as he attempted to enter his parish. Fr. Njoku sustained an injury to his right arm but was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he is reportedly recovering well. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen fired from a distance, and the priest’s vehicle was riddled with bullets. The Archdiocese of Owerri confirmed the incident, while the Imo State Police are investigating to identify the attackers.

Transport Fares Spike By Up To 50% Across Enugu As Christmas, New Year Rush Catches Commuters Off Guard Transport fares across major routes in Enugu State have surged by as much as 45 to 50 percent less than 12 hours to Christmas Day, leaving many commuters shocked and frustrated as they struggle to travel for end-of-year festivities. SaharaReporters checks conducted on Wednesday revealed that commercial transport operators abruptly increased prices across both inter-city and intra-city routes, citing festive traffic imbalance and rising operational losses. On the popular Old Park–Eke Obinagu route, fares that previously ranged between ₦400 and ₦500 now cost between ₦700 and ₦800. Similarly, commuters traveling from Old Park to Abakpa, who usually paid ₦400 to ₦500 depending on the time of day, were forced to part with as much as ₦800. Passengers using the Holy Ghost–Agbani Road axis also experienced sharp increases, with fares jumping from ₦500 to ₦900. Intra-city transportation has not been spared either. Short-distance trips that once cost ₦150 now attract ₦300, while routes previously priced at ₦200 have doubled to ₦400. The sudden hike has disrupted travel plans for many residents, particularly low-income earners trying to reunite with family members during the festive season. Commercial drivers defended the increase, explaining that the Christmas travel pattern has created a one-way passenger movement, leaving them stranded without return passengers. According to several drivers at Old Park, vehicles often return empty after dropping passengers in residential or rural areas, forcing operators to factor return costs into outgoing fares to avoid running at a loss. “This festive period is different,” one driver explained. “People are traveling mostly in one direction to their villages. If we don’t adjust fares, we won’t be able to cover fuel and maintenance costs.” However, commuters have strongly criticised the development, describing it as exploitative and poorly timed. Some passengers argued that with fuel prices lower than in previous months, transport fares should not be increasing. Others accused drivers of taking advantage of the Christmas rush to make excessive profits. Calls have grown louder for government agencies and transport unions, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), to intervene and regulate fares during festive periods. As of the time of reporting, efforts to get responses from union leaders were unsuccessful. With Christmas and New Year celebrations fast approaching, residents say they are left with little choice but to bear the burden of higher transport costs, adding further strain to an already difficult economic season.

Nigerian Lady Overjoyed as Online Boyfriend Lands in Lagos After 20 Months of Long-Distance Relationship A Nigerian lady was visibly emotional as she met her American online boyfriend for the first time after dating for 20 months. The couple, who met on the dating platform Afrointroduction, finally reunited at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Videos of their heartfelt reunion, which show the lady running to embrace her partner amid cheers, have gone viral on social media. The lady described the moment as surreal, saying their long-distance connection had finally turned into reality. Fans and viewers flooded the comment section with congratulations and well wishes for the couple.

Burkina Faso Releases Nigerian Air Force Aircraft and 11 Personnel A Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, held diplomatic engagements with Burkina Faso's military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, regarding a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft carrying 11 personnel that had been detained in the country. The engagements resulted in the immediate release of the 11 personnel and the aircraft. Minister Tuggar subsequently met with the freed Air Force members to confirm their well-being. The delegation and personnel are now en route back to Nigeria. Nigeria emphasised its adherence to international aviation protocols, expressed respect for Burkina Faso's sovereignty, and distanced itself from any unsubstantiated claims of maltreatment. Both sides highlighted shared security challenges and the importance of fraternal relations. This resolution underscores successful diplomacy in de-escalating a potential regional dispute. The military aircraft made an emergency landing in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, on December 8, 2025, due to a technical issue. Burkina Faso authorities detained the personnel and seized the aircraft, citing alleged unauthorised entry into their airspace.

ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026. The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel. For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries. The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter. The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty. To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism. Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market. The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

Edo Civil Society Condemns Assault on Journalist, Warns Against Rising ‘Digital Slap’ Culture The Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights has condemned the alleged assault on journalist Mrs. Juliet Enabulele by suspended Public Safety Response Team coordinator, Kelly Okungbowa (Ebo Stone). The group described the attack as a violation of human dignity, press freedom, and the rule of law, expressing concern that senior political figures in Edo State are normalizing violence through the celebration of so-called “digital slaps.” The coalition urged Governor Monday Okpebholo to distance his administration from the incident, ensure accountability, and uphold constitutional protections for journalists. The group also demanded a transparent investigation, an end to political glorification of violence, and stronger protection for media workers. This follows a similar incident in which APC leaders publicly celebrated and financially rewarded an assault on an APC critic in Manchester, UK. #Edojournalistassault #JulietEnabulele

TROOPS STORM TERROR HIDEOUTS, RESCUE 12 KIDNAP VICTIMS IN DARING PRE-DAWN OPERATION In a remarkable display of courage and compassion, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have brought hope back to 12 families after rescuing seven women and five children from Boko Haram captivity in the unforgiving terrain of the Mandara Mountains. The victims, who were on transit were abducted on 14 November along the Gwoza Limankara road. They regained their freedom on Sunday following a daring clearance mission conducted under Operation DESERT SANITY IV and Diligent Search. Led by the vigilant 26 Task Force Brigade, with support from Hybrid Forces, Hunters and vigilantes, the troops launched a pre-dawn assault through the rugged mountain foothills toward Uvaha. The sheer intensity of troop firepower forced the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee. Amid the chaos, the terrified victims scattered into the surrounding bushes, disoriented and exhausted from days in captivity. At about 8:45 a.m., they were safely recovered by troops who had continued searching the area to ensure no one was left behind. Among those rescued are Fadi Musa, Jummai Manga, Hamsatu Musa, Jummai Ali, Inna Amadu, Falmata Musa, Hadiza Hamman, and five children. Many were visibly tired after trekking long distances when their abductors fled under fire. The troops immediately evacuated them to the brigade field ambulance, where they received urgent medical care for blisters, injuries, and the effects of beatings endured in captivity. After treatment and meals, they were formally handed over to the representative of the Chairman, Gwoza Local Government Area, for reunification with their families. The military high command has praised the bravery, speed, and professionalism of the troops, acknowledging the vital contributions of security stakeholders and local informants whose timely intelligence made the rescue possible. Troops remain in active pursuit of ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further atrocities and ensure the safety of all civilians.

Mexico’s President Files Complaint After a Man Attempted to Kiss Her on the Street, Seeks Nationwide Reform on Harassment Laws. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has filed a formal complaint after a man groped her during an impromptu walk near the National Palace, an incident that has reignited debate over the country’s troubling record on women’s safety. The 63-year-old president was greeting supporters when an apparently intoxicated man placed an arm around her, touched her hip and chest, and attempted to kiss her neck. Sheinbaum pushed his hands away as her staff intervened. The man was later arrested. Speaking at her morning news conference, Sheinbaum said she chose to press charges to send a clear message about the protection of women. “If this happens to the president, what becomes of all the women in our country?” she said. She added that the incident reflects everyday realities for millions of Mexican women. Sheinbaum announced that her government will review legislation across Mexico’s 32 states, where sexual harassment is not universally defined as a crime. She urged state authorities to strengthen legal protections and make it easier for victims to report assaults, saying the country needs to hear a “loud and clear no” to violations of women’s personal space. The attack has also drawn scrutiny over the president’s security arrangements, as her detail was not close by at the time. Still, Sheinbaum dismissed calls to increase distance between herself and the public, insisting she will maintain her approachable style. Mexico continues to struggle with widespread harassment and gender-based violence, with rights groups warning of a femicide crisis and the UN estimating that seven in ten women have experienced at least one form of sexual harassment.

All Eyes on Akinwunmi Ambode. Politics, in Lagos, rarely forgets, only circling back when the timing feels right. And now, after years of studied silence, Akinwunmi Ambode’s name is again spoken in the open with chants, banners, and renewed conviction that the former governor might find his way back to the seat he once lost. At a recent gathering in Lagos, the Tinubu-Ambo Support Group, a coalition of political loyalists, pledged allegiance to two men: President Bola Tinubu and Ambode. Their mission was clear: mobilise voters ahead of the 2027 elections, stir the political base, and remind citizens that loyalty, when revived, can reshape the future. Dr. Seyi Bamigbade, the group’s director-general, described it as a movement to “reawaken civic consciousness” and restore continuity between Tinubu’s national reform and Ambode’s Lagos vision. Their call echoed across markets and youth halls: get your PVCs, prepare for 2027, let Lagos move again. Yet beneath the cheers lies the hum of unfinished history. Ambode’s story is one of brilliance and breach. His four-year term (2015–2019) delivered roads, transport networks, and fiscal growth, but also alienated party powerbrokers. In 2018, when Tinubu withdrew his support, the empire shifted. Ambode lost the APC ticket to Babajide Sanwo-Olu, ending his bid for re-election and ushering in years of quiet withdrawal. Now, his name returns, attached to Tinubu’s own. The pairing, once improbable, now feels strategic. For some, it signals reconciliation; for others, a test of Lagos’s political memory. Can ambition and loyalty coexist, or does one always exact a price from the other? Ambode himself has remained silent, as if watching from a measured distance. But Lagos remembers. And in the whispering corners of its politics, where godfathers and foot soldiers meet, the question grows louder: if the city offers him a second dance, will he take it?

CONUA Declares It’s Not Part Of Any Ongoing Strike. The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has distanced itself from reports linking it to an ongoing strike in Nigerian universities, insisting it has not declared any industrial action. In a statement signed by its National President, Dr Niyi Sunmonu, the union described the reports circulating on social media as misleading. Sunmonu stated, “CONUA wishes to categorically clarify that it has not declared any strike action and is not part of any ongoing strike.” The union reiterated its commitment to maintaining academic stability and ensuring uninterrupted learning across universities. Sunmonu stressed that CONUA remained focused on constructive dialogue with the government and stakeholders. He said, “It is important to emphasise that CONUA has no basis at this time to declare a dispute or embark on any strike action.” He urged members to continue discharging their academic and administrative duties, engage students diligently, and uphold professionalism in their work. Sunmonu recalled that when the renegotiation committee of the 2009 Agreement was inaugurated in October 2024, CONUA was deliberately excluded, a move the union protested.